Forum Discussion

Ndoby's avatar
Ndoby
Explorer
Jun 27, 2018

Macerator issues - HELP!!!

My 2011 Winnebago Vista 35F has 1-1/2 baths. The 1/2 bath has its own black tank with a macerator pump to pump the waste to the dump. I can open the valves however only a trickle of water comes out - then NOTHING. The macerator pump runs with - but nothing is coming out! We think it could be several thins - 1) the dump waste valve is not working - 2) there is a blockage from the valve to the macerator - 3) the macerator pump needs to be serviced.
Has anyone experience this issue? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Class A
  • mccsix's avatar
    mccsix
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    My macerator is sitting in the garage. I don't need any more equipment to maintain when a hose and gravity works reliably and faster and needs no maintenance
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2018
    If it’s a Jabsco the part number is printed on the impeller.

    You can get them on Amazon or West Marine.
  • Ndoby's avatar
    Ndoby
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    Thank you to all - the macerator pump unfortunately is necessary for this bathroom - I don't want to cut a hole in the bottom of the rig to put in a direct dump - even though I think that would be easier. This is just a poor design by Winnebago - there is no clean out access to the tank where you can flush 'things' out. We will start with servicing the macerator pump and go from there.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    I don't think you will be able to get rid of that macerator pump, unless you direct plumb that tank to the outside. Even then it will be on the wrong side unless you have enough room to slope it to the street side. I would just get it fixed.

    PS, I see there is a hatch there to access the valve which gives good service room for the pump.

  • Blaster_Man's avatar
    Blaster_Man
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    When you get this "mess" fixed, get rid of the macerator...more trouble than they are worth.
  • Ndoby's avatar
    Ndoby
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    Thank you - I think we will start with servicing the macerator and go from there - thank you for all of your input!!!
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    this may be too simple but did you check that the cap is off of the end of the macerator hose? don't ask me why I know that can happen.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jun 27, 2018
    It’s 7-8 years old. They wear out.

    There is an impeller that has flexible vanes on it and the vanes wear out and break off.

    I’m thinking it’s time for a rebuild.
  • Ndoby's avatar
    Ndoby
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2018
    Hi thank you - Yes there is/was plenty of water and 'material' in the tank. We had someone remove the material (similar to a porta potty truck) then we put another 5 gallon bucket of water down the toilet to see if they 'may' have removed the blockage - still no luck. When using a flashlight to look into the tank - we can only see straight down. We have also tried to snake the toilet -again no luck.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Jun 27, 2018
    If you are not using enough water also can cause. Can you look down into the tank with a light.

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